Ukraine Drone Strikes Russian Oil Refinery as Peace Talks Begin

A Ukrainian drone strike ignited fires at an oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region overnight, as both sides exchanged attacks and fresh peace talks loom. The refinery in Ilsky, Russia, caught fire after being targeted by over 150 drones, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

The refinery supplies Russian forces with fuel, according to the Kyiv Independent. Drone attacks were also reported in the cities of Kazan and Nizhnekamsk, the newspaper added.

Simultaneously, Russia launched a large-scale attack on several Ukrainian cities with over 420 missiles and drones, Reuters reported. The attacks caused significant damage to a power plant in the port city of Odesa, Ukrainian authorities said.

In Poland, several airports temporarily suspended operations after Russian attacks passed close to the Polish border, Reuters also reported.

The attacks come as new peace negotiations between the two countries are underway. Despite the escalation in hostilities, diplomatic efforts continue, though optimism remains low.

Prior to Tuesday’s developments, there was little expectation of a breakthrough in the talks. Few observers believe this week’s meetings will lead to substantial changes on the ground in Ukraine. The Russian offensive continues largely unabated. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims Russia is losing over 30,000 soldiers each month, a figure that has not been independently verified.

“Russia is suffering massive losses,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Saturday.

Double Down on Meetings

Previous rounds of negotiations have primarily focused on securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. This time, however, the parties will discuss “a broad range of issues,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. This marks the third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since the new year.

The talks will be led by Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Simultaneously, the Americans will also hold meetings with Iran.

Donald Trump has, at times, pushed for an end to the war in the past year. However, the U.S. President has often placed the blame on Ukraine before the negotiation meetings.

“Ukraine should come to the negotiating table quickly,” Trump said over the weekend.

Same Demands as Before

Ahead of Tuesday’s negotiations, the Russian demands are largely the same as before. Russia demands that Ukraine cede land, reduce its military forces, and guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO.

Ukrainians, for their part, demand security guarantees against new Russian attacks and a withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine.

Ukraine flatly refuses to cede territory to Russia, particularly parts of the Donbas region currently partially occupied by Russian forces. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he hopes the war will end this year.

Night’s drone attacks are the latest in a series of attacks against Russian forces in February. Ukrainian forces have also made gains on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine. At the same time, Russia continues to attack civilians in several places in Ukraine.

Over 2,200 Ukrainian civilians were killed last year, according to research group Action on Armed Violence. This represents a 26 percent increase. Russia has simultaneously stepped up attacks on Ukrainian energy production. Thousands of Ukrainians have been left without power in the face of extreme cold in several parts of the country.